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Fun and Learning Summer Experiences by
Carolyn Hornik

We all know how important it is for students to continue participating in activities that stimulate their minds as well as ones that keep them happily engaged over the long summer vacation. We, as educators can turn summer vacation into a bridge to the next grade level for our students by providing suggestions to parents, caregivers and students on how to spend the summer months productively. We can encourage parents and students to find fun in learning.

We are fortunate to live and teach in the New York Metropolitan area, filled with so many exciting places to visit and activities to take part in. Let’s begin with places to visit:

Museums

Museums offer first hand experiences in areas such as art, architecture, photography, natural history, movies, television, radio, and technology. Many of these museums offer classes, workshops, and hands on experiences.

A listing and specific information about New York City museums may be found at: http://www.ny.com/museums/

For a listing of and specific information about Long Island museums, visit:
http://www.d-vista.com/LIBP/limuseum.html

New Jersey museum information may be found at: http://www.newjersey.worldweb.com/SightsAttractions/Museums/

Connecticut museum information is listed at:
http://www.museumlink.com/connecti.htm

Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Parks

Students and their families can discover the wonders of animal life and their habitats at zoos, aquariums and animal parks. Classes, workshops, and hands on experiences with animals are offered at most locations.

Find out about New York City zoos, aquariums and animal parks at:
http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/subcat.jsp?area=197&category=26

Long Island listings may be found at:
http://www.webscope.com/li/zoos.html

A complete listing of trips for children and families in the New Jersey are can be found at:
http://www.fieldtrip.com/nj/index_nj.htm

Connecticut zoos, aquariums and animal park information can be located at:
http://www.visitconnecticut.com/current_category.2106/companies_list.html

Parks and Gardens

Experience the magnificence and beauty of our local parks and gardens. Classes, workshops and hands on experiences with plants, flowers and trees are offered at most locations.

Many public parks also offer the opportunity for students to take part in sports, such as swimming, baseball, soccer, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and track. Many of these activities are available at public parks.

For New York City park and garden listings, check out:

http://www.nyc.worldweb.com/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/

Long Island parks and garden information can be found at:
http://www.longisland.worldweb.com/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/

New Jersey park and garden listings can be located at:
http://www.newjersey.worldweb.com/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/

Get information regarding Connecticut parks and gardens at:
http://www.visitconnecticut.com/current_category.1507/companies_list.html

Theatre and Performing Arts

Enjoy the excitement of live theater, dance and concert performances.

For New York City listings and information, go to:
http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/travel/theater.htm

For Long Island listings and information, go to
http://www.webscope.com/li/arts.html

New Jersey listing may be found at:
http://www.metrojersey.com/theatres_plays.htm

Connecticut concert and show details may be found at:
http://www.ctarts.org/artrecthea.htm

Libraries

Take part in summer reading programs, story time, art projects, computer activities, and workshops on a variety of topics.

To explore New York City Public Library resources and services, visit: http://www.nypl.org/

Visit this web site to obtain a listing of suggested summer reading by grade level. Summaries of each book are provided.
http://www.educationworld.com/summer_reading/

Theme Parks

New York theme park information can be found at:
http://www.themeparkcity.com/USA_NY.htm

For information regarding New Jersey theme parks:
http://themeparkcity.com/USA_NJ.htm

For Connecticut listings, view information at:
http://themeparkcity.com/USA_CT.htm

Home Activities

There are a wealth of fun and educational activities to do at home. Math and science concepts can be learned through cooking. Find recipes children will love to cook at::
Kids Recipes
http://www.childrensrecipes.com/

http://www.biggsuperstore.com/tbsrecipes/children/

Additional Activities
100 activities and ideas for parents, caregivers and children to do over the summer vacation are located at:
http://www.fvsd.ab.ca/stm/end_of_the_year_and_summer_activ.htm#100%20activities

Additional activities that keep children’s minds growing can be found at:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/Recipes/reck-3.html
http://www.ed.gov/Family/RWN/Activ97/early.html
http://www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/summer_smart_sneak.html

Games

As children play card games and board games, they develop critical thinking skill, communication skills, as well as language, math, reading, social studies, and science concepts. Suggested games to play include:

Let’s encourage students to be lifelong, successful and active learners by encouraging them to spend the summer recess time productively. Become a resource to parents, caregivers and students by sharing the above ideas with them.